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West Palm Beach, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State Law
FL §379.412
Alligator Feeding
2nd-degree misdemeanor
Fine
Up to $500 + 60 days
Authority
FWC + PBC
Iguanas
No feeding (invasive)

Summary

Feeding wildlife is illegal under FL §379.412 and PBC Code. Particularly enforced for alligators, raccoons, and sandhill cranes. Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Mangonia residents are common offenders.

(1)(a) The penalties in this section apply to a violation of any rule or order of the commission that prohibits or restricts: 1. Feeding wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; 2. Attracting or enticing wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; or 3. Allowing the placement of food or garbage in a manner that attracts or entices wildlife or freshwater fish. (b) This section does not apply to rules or orders of the commission relating to: 1. Animals held in captivity; 2. Restricting the taking or hunting of species over bait or intentionally placed or deposited food; or 3. Restricting the taking or hunting of species in proximity to feeding stations. (2) A person who violates a prohibition or restriction identified in subsection (1): (a) For a first violation, commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a civil penalty of $100. (b) For second and subsequent violations, when all violations are related to freshwater fish or wildlife other than bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (c) For a second violation, when all violations are related to bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (d) For a third violation, when all violations are related to bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

Source: FL Statute §379.412View official code

Full Breakdown

FL §379.412 makes intentional feeding of alligators or crocodiles a second-degree misdemeanor. FWC also prohibits feeding bears, foxes, raccoons, and sandhill cranes. WPB residents along the Intracoastal Waterway and around Clear Lake should not leave pet food outside, which attracts raccoons and opossums. Iguana feeding (an invasive species) is also prohibited.

Violations & Fines

FL §379.412 misdemeanor: up to $500 fine and 60 days jail. FWC civil citations $100-$500. Repeat offenders face larger penalties.

Sources & Official References

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